KINGSTON, N.Y. -- A young and up-and-coming Kingston High boys swimming and diving team looks to get off on the right foot Tuesday at the Tigers open their 2012 season at Cornwall.

Kingston is coming off an 8-4 dual meet mark from last season, but will rely on large number of seventh and eighth graders to provide depth and points during the year.

"We want to improve on our 8-4 record from last season," said Tigers coach Chris Sammons. "We'll start with one more win and one less loss. I do think we have some guys with a shot at getting to the state (championship) meet and we can make a legitimate run at a Section 9 title."

Kingston has four seniors and six juniors to provide leadership to the legion of youngsters on this year's team.

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Sammons feels that junior Nicholas Gulitti, senior Rumi Easter and sophomores Matthew Spoth and Kaelan Quinn will be at the top of their events.

"Nick has a great shot to do big things in the 200 (yard) individual medley and 100 backstroke," Sammons said. "Matt will be competitive in the 200 freestyle, and guys like Rumi and Kaelan are going to contribute, too."

Sammons said freshman Kevin Harjes, junior Jake Nee and junior Alex Chiera are also expected to make waves this season.

"We've had some growth in our relays and the guys get very competitive when they see what our girls team has accomplished," Sammons said. "Our (200) medley relay is probably our strongest right now."

Points from the younger swimmers, however, most likely hold the key to how well the Tigers season goes.

"Our seventh grade swimmers will be in a learning phase, but they're going to surprise by the end of the season," Sammons said. "The seventh grade divers could be big contributors, and our eighth, ninth and 10th graders are being asked to step up with the 11th and 12th graders."

Sammons said the team is looking forward to its opening-day meet at Cornwall, as well as hosting Pine Bush and closing the regular season at Newburgh.

Kingston's home opener is Dec. 11 against Roosevelt and is the first of six consecutive home meets.

"Cornwall is a big test right away," he said. "Pine Bush has beat us a lot and the guys circled that one. Newburgh is such a big rival and we've got a nice winning streak going against them."